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Kyle's Challenge

"To me there's no better way to celebrate Kyle's life than to help kids."

Kyle's Mom and WDET Member, Aimee Cowher

Kyle’s Challenge is a community giveback initiative started by two generous WDET donors, Gary Cone and Aimee Cowher, in memory of their son Kyle. Over the last four years, Kyle’s Challenge has generated over $250,000 in support for WDET thanks to the generosity of The Kyle John Foundation and over 500 listeners. As a result, WDET has awarded over $180,000 in free promotional airtime to Detroit-area non-profits that are creating a better future for young people in our region.

About Kyle & The Kyle John Rymiszewski Foundation

The Kyle John Rymiszewski Foundation was founded in loving memory of Kyle John Rymiszewski by WDET donors Gary Cone and Aimee Cowher, Kyle’s mom. Kyle suffered a heart attack that ended his life on December 3, 2009, when he was just short of his 16th birthday. Kyle suffered from a heart condition called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy which causes the heart muscle to thicken, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. The Kyle John Foundation celebrates Kyle’s life and makes a difference for children afflicted with Cardiomyopathy.

"The future of Detroit is a generation away, and we need to nurture it." - WDET Member, Gary Cone

December 11th marks Kyle’s birthday. Although it’s a hard day for those who knew and loved him, Kyle’s Challenge celebrates the joy that was Kyle’s life. Gary and Aimee created this community impact campaign with WDET in 2012 and it continues to be the largest challenge in the station’s history. Thanks to The Kyle John Foundation and the hundreds of listeners who have participated each year, Kyle’s Challenge has significantly improved WDET’s ability to serve our community while also supporting local youth-focused organizations that are making a difference in the lives of metro Detroit kids.

Previous Kyle's Challenge Recipients

The Ruth Ellis Center

Inside/Out Literary Arts

Covenant House

Think Detroit P.A.L.

Sweet Dreamzzz

Summer in the City

The Bottomless Toy Chest

Teen H.Y.P.E.

Mercy Education Project

Wish Upon A Teen

Vista Maria

Ronald McDonald House of Detroit

Mosiac Youth

Eagle Children's Charities

Georgia Street Community Collective

Downtown Boxing Gym

Bridgepointe

Rx for Reading

Living Arts

Urban Stringz

POWER Org Math

Healthy Kidz Inc.

Cast your vote!

Last December, WDET listeners matched The Kyle John Foundation’s generous $25,000 gift. In turn, WDET is donating $25,000 in promotional support to five, youth-focused non-profits – but we need your help deciding who receives it!

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